|
Q.
How do I know when it
is the best time to mate my dog?
A. This can be difficult. Some females
can ovulate either early or late during the heat period (see Estrus
Cycle section). Most ovulate and are receptive around the 11th
day of estrus. The discharge will then be less bloody and the female
will be actively looking for a male. We recommend putting the male and
female together at day 9, day 11, and again at day 13.
For information on tests available to
more accurately detect when your female will ovulate, thus increasing
the likelihood of a successful mating, click on the Pregnancy Timing
link.
Q. What can I do to
ensure mating is accomplished satisfactorily?
A. Surprisingly, male dogs appear to be
more stress sensitive than females during mating. Thus successful
matings are more common when the male dog is in its own environment. It
is for this reason that females are usually taken to the stud dog.
The time of mating is extremely
critical and it is worthwhile to have tests carried out at the practice
to determine the ideal mating period. For most females, the best time
for breeding is between the 9th-13th day of
estrus. Some females ovulate as early as the third or fourth day or as
late as the eighteenth day. Blood tests will assist in determining the
best period for your dog.
It is also normal to arrange for two
to three matings for your dog, often 24 or 48 hours apart. We recommend
putting the male and female together at day 9, day 11, and again at day
13. Check these details with the owner of the stud when making initial
enquiries. When speaking with the stud owner, it is a good idea to find
out what the stud owner offers for future matings in case the female
does not become pregnant
Q. I was told that my
female had tied well with the dog and that only one service was
necessary. What does this mean?
A. The genital anatomy of
the male and female is such that during coitus part of the dog’s penis
(the bulbis glandis) enlarges and is held firmly by the muscles
of the vagina which contract, thus preventing the penis from being
withdrawn. This is the “tie” that is considered a desirable feature of a
successful mating. It is important to note that pregnancy can occur
without a “tie”. Once “tied” the male dog will often step over the
female or be turned by handlers into a position so that the animals are
back to back.
Q.
I found my dog tied to
a female dog during a mismating. Was there anything I could do to
separate them?
A. There is little point in trying to
separate animals that are locked in this way. Buckets of cold water,
water pistols, cap guns etc. do little to speed up the process of
separation and merely upset the animals. In fact, forced separation can
result in serious injury to the female and should be avoided.
If a mismating has occurred, discuss
it with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
_______________________________________________
|
